Tanzania is commemorating its 64th Independence Day today, with the celebrations taking a different form to previous years. This year, the celebrations are likely to be marked by a heavy security presence amid claims of a possible internet shutdown.
The 2025 celebrations are taking place amid fears of anti-government protests announced in various cities across the East African country.
In a last-minute attempt to prevent the protests, on December 8, 2025 Tanzanian Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced that there would be no national celebrations to mark Independence Day, urging citizens to stay indoors.
This would have been President Samia Suluhu's first national celebration since the October general elections. It would also have been her first national event as an elected President of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Unlike during previous Independence Day celebrations, Tanzanians will be celebrating the day not in their usual pomp and colour, where they would commemorate the day with a celebration held at national stadiums presided over by the President and top government officials.
Heavy Police Presence
During past years, there has not been a report of protests during Independence Day. This year, anti-government protestors have chosen to protest during Independence Day against the current Suluhu government.
This follows post-election protests and violence witnessed in Tanzania where many youths were reportedly shot dead as protestors claimed the election was not free and fair.
The protests fears will see Tanzania commemorate this year's 2025 Independence Day with heavy police presence on the streets, unlike in previous Independence Day celebrations.
Internet Shutdown
Even as Tanzanians commemorate Independence Day at home, there are fears of internet restrictions as witnessed during the previous anti-government protests in Tanzania.
The election protests had seen a total internet blackout in the country that continued until after President Suluhu was sworn in.
Travel Warnings
The Independence Day celebrations come at a time when the United States of America, together with other countries, have issued travel warnings to its citizens against visiting Tanzania, citing concerns of unrest, crime, and potential disruptions.
Kenya also issued an urgent advisory to Kenyans living in Tanzania following reports of possible unrest during the country’s Independence Day celebrations.
Past Cancelled Celebrations
However, this is not the first time that Tanzania has cancelled the Independence Day celebrations. In 2015, the late former President John Magufuli cancelled the celebrations and diverted the funds to construct the Mwenge-Morocco Road. He also cancelled the celebrations in 2020.
President Samia also cancelled the national celebrations in 2022 where she diverted the budget meant to hold the celebrations to build dormitories for eight schools admitting students with special needs.
